Browser video stops playing in background

One of the things I like doing is putting a video or podcast on while I am doing the dishes or some other menial task. This makes the monotonous job more enjoyable.

In my previous huawei handset from 2017 (android 9, google) would stop playing the video once the screen went off or a new browser window was opened (or if the screen was minimised in the background) so I was pleasantly surprised when e/os did not do this. It has worked well so far keeping me entertained when doing chores. This is on a pixel 5 redfin from e/os version 2.1 through to 2.6.

Since the upgrade to v2.7 the video now stops when minimised (new browser window opens, screen goes off, etc) just like my old huawei did.

Just wondering if others have the same problem and if so, is there an easy fix for it? Would like to keep a video playing while I am cleaning up my shed. Thanks

1 Like

So use the open source app Newpipe (0.27.4 latest), problem solved… In app store or F-Droid store if app store not up to date…

You may also have to set the screen timeout…

2 Likes

Thanks for that Jets! I will see how the app that you have recommended handles the screen being switched off/minimised when playing a youtube video as a potential solution to this issue.

I have been testing this issue by playing videos from other websites on the e/os browser. Rumble does not have the same issue and behaves as it did, which presumes that the browser is only behaving differently when playing videos from youtube (likely due to the websites’ settings and the browser’s restrictions to this) so this issue (so far) seems exclusive to YouTube and browser updates to e/os 2.7

2 Likes

Make sure you check your screen setting too. In my case I search an artist select Album from drop down menu top right and I shut me screen off an listen. I use it mostly while driving.

1 Like

Thanks Jets - it worked a charm. Cheers!

1 Like

Same issue on my phone (Gigaset GS290) after upgrading to e/os/ v2.7

Yes, it seems the issue shows up in e/os/ Browser and only for YT.
My secondary browser is Brave, and it still can play YT videos in the background.

1 Like

Sadly the ‘newpipe’ app has stopped working. It appears that the app is not maintained as crash report emails do not send and the last github submission was in November or December 2024. In this day and age, a developer needs to be vigilant to stop redundancy from making an app unusable.

I shall give ‘Brave’ browser a try next. Hopefully this will be better maintained for more longevity.